Edward Belitski
January 10, 2025
Interviewed by Kishoak Ranganathan, Communications, Marketing & Social Media Student Intern
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Edward Belitski’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience. From an early age, he faced challenges that would have crushed many, yet through it all, he has found a way to keep moving forward—one step at a time. Born into hardship, with the early loss of his mother and father, Ed’s journey has been shaped by trauma, addiction, homelessness, and severe health struggles. But despite these obstacles, Ed continues to demonstrate an unwavering strength, tackling each challenge head-on and never allowing himself to be defined by his circumstances.
“I’ve had a lot of struggles in my life,” Ed recalls. “I lost my mom when I was three, and my dad when I was 19. After that, it was a battle to survive. I got involved in addiction—cocaine, alcohol—and became homeless five times. But I never gave up.”
Ed’s life turned around after he embraced sobriety and joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where he has remained sober for 32 years. He also became an active board member for Sharing the Burden, a charity supporting prisoners in recovery, and took on various roles in volunteer organizations focused on peer support. Despite these achievements, his journey took another difficult turn when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that has severely impacted his mobility.
A Lifeline for Recovery
Throughout these challenges, Ed has found support in Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) through a referral from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). He has been a client of SCHC for about a decade and credits the organization with helping him through some of his most difficult times. “I’ve had a really good experience with SCHC,” he says. “The staff are professional, friendly, and caring.”
As a client of the Meals on Wheels program, Ed has experienced firsthand how essential these services can be for those facing physical limitations. After his GBS diagnosis, which left him unable to cook for himself easily, Meals on Wheels became a crucial support. “Meals on Wheels is a great program,” Ed shares. “They help out a lot of seniors and people with disabilities. The food is better than you think!”
To learn more about our Meals on Wheels program and how SCHC can assist with your needs, click here for further details.
Facing Health Challenges with Support
The GBS diagnosis added a new layer of complexity to Ed’s health journey. Ed explained this autoimmune condition, which attacks the nervous system, affects about 1 in 25,000 individuals in Canada. He pointed out that for men over 50 like him, the recovery rate is significantly lower—only 20%. Despite this daunting statistic, Ed remains hopeful and committed to his recovery.
“I’ve had some physical challenges in my life,” he says. “I have a walker now, and I use a transportation service, but I’m overcoming it slowly. I’m able to walk short distances without the walker, and I’m hoping in due time I can make a full recovery.”
Alongside the physical challenges, Ed has struggled with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, which he has been managing for years. The support he has received at SCHC has played a crucial role in his ongoing recovery, providing him with a safe space to navigate both his physical and mental health. He praises the healthcare professionals at SCHC, emphasizing their professionalism and caring nature. “The doctors have been fantastic. The front-end staff are friendly and professional,” he says. “They’ve helped me immensely.”
A Journey of Healing
Ed’s journey has been shaped by a constant willingness to seek help when needed. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, he emphasizes the importance of accessing support and remaining open to recovery. For Ed, wellness goes beyond just physical health. It’s about finding peace and balance in life, especially amidst the challenges of addiction and health issues. “Wellness for me is about finding serenity,” he explains. “You’ve got to treat yourself well. When you’re down, you’ve got to get up and pull your socks up. Some days are really hard for me at home, especially this time of year.”
One of the most significant factors in Ed’s ongoing recovery has been the support from his community, including the resources provided by SCHC. “If someone is having a very difficult time, I just suggest they reach out to SCHC,” he says. “They’re a great organization. They’ve been there for me through a lot.”
Ed’s experience with SCHC has shown him that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a vital step towards healing. “If you’re hesitant about using services like Meals on Wheels or reaching out for care, don’t be afraid, just go for it,” he urges. “SCHC has been there for me in ways I didn’t expect. I know I’m not alone.”
A Resilient Future
Despite the difficulties Ed has faced, he remains hopeful for the future. His determination to recover, maintain his sobriety, and rebuild his life continues to guide him. While the physical challenges of GBS persist, Ed takes each day as it comes, knowing that his resilience and the support of organizations like SCHC will keep him moving forward.
“I’ve had a lot of help along the way, from the people in my life to the services at SCHC,” Ed reflects. “I’m lucky to be alive.”
As Ed continues his journey of recovery, he remains optimistic about the future. His story is one of persistence, strength, and a willingness to lean on others when the road gets tough. And with the ongoing support of SCHC, he knows that the next chapter of his life will be defined not by his struggles, but by his resilience and the community that continues to lift him up.
Resources
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15838-guillain-barre-syndrome
Learn More About Meals on Wheels – https://schcontario.ca/programs/community-support-services/meals-on-wheels/